Lobby Safety and Etiquette for Dogs

Visiting a doggy daycare, overnight boarding, or dog grooming facility like Canine To Five is an exciting experience for both dogs and their owners. Whether you’re in Detroit, Commerce Township, Ferndale, or Grosse Pointe, it’s essential to maintain lobby safety and etiquette to ensure a comfortable environment for everyone. Here are some key guidelines to follow:

 

1. Keep Dogs on a Short Leash

As your pup is eagerly dragging you into a Canine To Five location, a short, non-retractable leash is your best friend. Think of it as holding hands with your furry companion! This keeps your dog close, safe, and prevents any unexpected zoomies or surprise greetings. Retractable leashes can lead to tangled tails and chaotic encounters, especially in our bustling lobbies. No thank you!

 

2. Secure Collars and Harnesses

Before entering and exiting the lobby at any of our Metro Detroit locations, double-check that your dog’s collar or harness is snug and secure. Canine To Five’s locations are near busy roads – Cass Avenue, Haggerty Road, East Nine Mile Road, and East Jefferson Avenue. A dog with loose gear can easily slip away, increasing their chances of getting into an altercation with another dog, darting into busy traffic, and facing potential danger. Ensuring these are secure will help your dog stay safe and sound during your visit.

 

3. Avoid Dog-to-Dog Greetings

Our lobbies may seem like a doggy social club, but it’s best to skip the meet-and-greets until they are back in the playroom. Dogs on leashes can feel restricted, leading to unexpected growls or snaps. Even the friendliest companions can become reactive when on leash. Keep a polite distance from other dogs, even if your pup is eager to say hello. Read more about our lobby process here!

4. Respect Personal Space

Just like humans, dogs have their own bubble of personal space. Respecting this bubble is crucial for keeping the peace. Not every dog is a social butterfly, and some prefer to keep their distance. Maintain a respectful distance from other dogs and gently remind your pup to stay close. This is especially important in our lively Midtown Detroit and Ferndale locations.

 

5. Use a Muzzle if Necessary

For our more spirited guests with a history of leash reactivity, a muzzle can be a wise choice. It’s like a superhero mask that keeps everyone safe! Ensuring your dog is comfortable wearing a muzzle and that it fits just right can help provide you with peace of mind whenever traveling to a dog-centric location.

• Fun Fact: Canine To Five practices muzzle training in Puppy Preschool to help young dogs prepare for successful visits to the vet office.

Ultimately, if your dog is uncomfortable wearing a muzzle, and/or they are too difficult to control on your own, exploring other care options that avoid dog-to-dog interactions, such as in-home care, is recommended.

 

By following these guidelines, you can help create a safer and more pleasant environment for all dogs and their owners at Canine To Five. We appreciate your help in making sure everyone has a safe and positive experience with us.